Jenny On the Spot

My Dearest Lucy Jean,

Look at you,3 and independent. “No, I do it Mama!” Girl, girl, girl… You are a hard worker, and most things you want to do “,by mysewf!” Well, unless it's something you don't want to do by yourself, then you just won't, or you will fight all the way trying not to do it.

Like a volcano, you are unpredictable. I think I know you. I make a decision based on that knowledge, and before I can take a breath you decided to be/do the opposite. Darlin', if there was anything “boring” or “predictable” left in my life - your adorable fire burned it all away. To ashes.

Look at the fun exchanges we get to engage in every day:

Lucy: I want cereal.
Mom: What do you say?
Lucy: Pweeeeze
Mom: *getting the cereal*
Lucy: NOOOOO! I don't want cereal!
Mom: OK. **puts cereal away**
Lucy: I WANT CEREAL!!!

This will continue like this for several rounds. As it turns out, you really do want cereal! Mommy probably just wasn't breathing right when she was pouring it into the bowl. My apologies. I'll try to do better.

Becoming “3” has been, well, a process! You are talking like a big kid, Your sentences and opinions are all over the place. Opinions, preferences and more opinions. And this process has not just been yours alone. It has been mine as well. You are sharp, strong, determined, very sensitive and brave. It's not easy keeping up with such a dynamic little girl.

Speaking of “little girl” - you love clothes. You love “Girts” (skirts), but you only have two. Dresses are a close second. And then there are shoes. You love the shoes. Especially your sparkly ones. Red shoes, black shoes, “fwip-fwops”, essercise shoes,

Monkey! You love to climb and tumble. You are fearless. I don't know if this came as a natural part of your personality, or if it grew out of your need to adapt to your environment - as kid #3. But girl, you roll with the big boys, and giggle all the way down. You LOVE your tumbling classes, and others always comment on your fearlessness and skills. Even when you were barely 2, your summersaults ROCKED.

Your big bro. The boy adores you. You adore him. You miss him so much when he is not around. You love it when he chases you and wrestles with you. You. Guys. Go. To. Town. He truly enjoys taking care of you - he fills your sippy cup and ties your shoes. You know you can go to him for help. You love the attention he smothers on you.

Your big sista'. Girls! Fluffy, sparkly and swoopy pink ribbons! Oh heavens. I may have 2 of the girliest girls on earth. We moved you two in a room together 2 months ago, and share a bed. You never stop talking to your “sisser” at bedtime. Poor Olivia - she can talk with the best of ’em, but you, my dear, wear her down. There are times we have had to let Olivia sleep in our bed until you go to sleep because “no talking” is a very difficult concept for you to grasp.

One thing that hasn't changed is your innate need to snuggle. Need. Snuggle time before bed - ALWAYS. Snuggle time before naps - NON-NEGOTIABLE. I have finally learned that when you start melting down, it means you have got to get your snuggle ON. If I throw my list aside and just sit for 10 minutes - the moons align and the earth's gravitational pull corrects. Though it is hard to drop “the list” at times, this is something I love about you. We have had some pretty precious times - just throwing that list to the side. You smile brightly and stare into my eyes. Our noses rest on one another.

People. You have somethin' little lady. Folks can't resist your charm, spunk, smile, warmth, giggle, fire, You are like a magnet. We have to be careful though. Sometimes you just “click” with certain folks. It is not unheard-of for you to pucker up and “Mwaaaahhh!” It's usually the grand-parently type, but I can’t let you get into the habit of kissin' whoever you want!

That's another thing. A kiss does not exist without a hug. A hug does not exist without a kiss. It's like ice tea in the summertime. They just go together.

Oh gosh - there's more! Music! Our whole family, we're music fools, dancin' and singin' fools. I need to get a video of you singing “Dancing Queen”, When I put on a dress, you demand that I dance. Aaaand we're pretty sure you're a lefty.

Oh Lucy, I. Love. You. So. Much. You add so much to my life. I am honored to be the one you call “Mama”. I am also overwhelmed to be the one you call “Mama”. I don't do everything right, In fact, I fear I do most things wrong. BUT, know I love you with all my heart. At times, the love I feel for you makes my heart ache.

I pray that the Lord protects your from my failures and shortcomings, I thank Him for giving young children very little memory of their youngest years :) I pray for the preservation of your innocence, continued wide-eyed curiosity, and I pray I have the strength to make the hard choices on your behalf… and I pray for our journey together, as mother and daughter, as you develop into the incredible young woman I know you are becoming.

I love you baby,
Mama